Ace wager to assist criminal (4)

I believe the answer is:

abet

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'assist criminal' is the definition.
'abet' can be an answer for 'assist' (abetting is a kind of assisting). I am unsure of the 'criminal' bit.

'ace wager' is the wordplay.
'ace' becomes 'a' ().
'wager' becomes 'bet' (synonyms).
'a'+'bet'='ABET'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abet that I've seen before include "Help a criminal" , "Assist in some nefarious activity" , "support wrongdoing" , "Incite, help" , "Assist (in wrongdoing)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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